FEATURE
Kisling NCOA goes virtual due to COVID-19, Page 6
NEWS
FEATURE
Air Force releases JADO doctrine, Page 7
2019 annual drinking water quality report, Page 8
June 26, 2020 | Volume 44, Number 25
NEWS
USPS Customs Declaration Forms change in August, Page 14
LIFESTYLE
Day trips to some of Germany’s hidden gems, Page 20
Read the KA online at KaiserslauternAmerican.com
Chief Master Sgt. JoAnne S. Bass named 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Chief Master Sgt. JoAnne S. Bass was selected June 19 to become the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, becoming the first woman in history to serve as the highest ranking noncommissioned member of a U.S. military service. In selecting Bass, incoming Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown said Bass brings skills, temperament and experience that the job requires and an outlook on leadership that meshes with his own. “I could not be more excited to work side-by-side with Chief Bass,” Brown said. “She has unique skills that will help us both lead the Total Force and live up to the high expectations of our Airmen,” he said. “She is a proven leader who has performed with distinction at every step of her accomplished
career. I have no doubt that Chief Bass will provide wise counsel as we pursue and implement initiatives to develop and empower Airmen at all levels.” Brown, who will become the 22nd Chief of Staff in August, said selecting the correct candidate to serve as chief master sergeant was one of his most critical decisions in advance of his becoming Chief. The search to replace outgoing Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright was both broad and rigorous. Bass emerged as the consensus choice from a group of more than a dozen finalists from across the Air Force’s global operation, officials said. The finalists were selected based on breadth of experience, recommendations from senior commanders and performance across each candidate’s Air Force career. Chief Master Sgt. JoAnne S. Bass was selected June 19 to become the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, becoming the first woman in history to serve as the highest ranking noncommissioned member of a U.S. military service. U.S. Air Force photo
See 19TH CMSAF, Page 3
Ramstein says “RIP” to RIP line by Kelly Sanders 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Graphic by Staff Sgt. Kirsten Brandes
by Charles Pope Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
While COVID-19 virtual town halls will soon be a distant memory, 86th Airlift Wing leaders took a final opportunity June 19 to go “live” via the Ramstein Facebook page and provide updates to the Ramstein community. Brig. Gen. Mark August, 86th AW commander, Chief Master Sgt. Ernesto J. Rendon, Jr., 86th AW command chief, and Maj. Joseph Baldwin, 37th Airlift Squadron pilot
and Operational Planning team lead, each delivered some good news. August opened the town hall by announcing that Ramstein reduced its health protection condition from Charlie to Bravo. Throughout HPCON Charlie, base access was restricted to only those with official business, so the move to Bravo comes as a welcome change for members hoping to once again sponsor visitors on base. HPCON Bravo doesn’t mean a complete return to normal
operations. August reminded personnel many customer service areas still require appointments. Rendon delivered new guidance for those wanting to travel. “For a very long time we’ve communicated that leave is restricted to Germany…and also we were encouraging that you don’t leave Rheinland-Pfalz. The good news is that really is no longer the case.” Rendon said new guidance from U.S. Air Forces in Europe allows See TOWN HALL, Page 2